We recently enjoyed a charming brunch at the Dakota Bar & Bistro in the former French Concession. On their website, they describe themselves as being an American-style bistro, and they delivered on their promise. From the casual, street-side patio to the sumptuously dark interior, we felt as though we’d been transported to the Upper East Side […]
Asia
China’s First Western Hotel
After the Treaty of Nanking opened China’s port cities to foreign trade, the British established their land concession and a building boom ensued. Realizing that the newly arrived foreign merchants would need lodging while in Shanghai, a Scottish man by the name of Richards opened an eponymous hotel near the Bund in 1846. It was […]
The Bund: Shanghai At Her Best
There is no better place to be in Shanghai on a beautiful blue sky day than the Bund. Like a lovely necklace, the Bund accentuates the city’s beauty and highlights its many charms. The promenade stretches for one mile along the banks of the busy Huangpu River, with the grand buildings of the former British […]
Fashion History at Kent State University Museum
During my recent time in Ohio, I had the pleasure of touring the Kent State University Museum. According to U.S. News and World Reports, Kent State University has one of the top 10 fashion programs in the country. Who knew? The on-campus museum is currently exhibiting a wonderful collection called “On The Home Front: Civil […]
Shanghai Street Art: Sculptures That Make You Go Hmmm
When I first arrived in Shanghai, I was very surprised by all the street art I found. Besides the quirky artworks housed in the Jing’an Sculpture Park and the charming rhinoceros family in Jing’an Park, there is an interesting array of sculptures spread all across the city. I’ve found a melting Dali clock in front of […]